Bhajan Lal, himself a contender for Haryana chief minister's post, had not attended the Congress Legislature Party's meeting, where Hooda was elected its chief, in New Delhi on Friday. Over 20 MLAs, all Bhajan Lal supporters, also stayed away from the meeting.

Bhajan Lal has said he will not attend Hooda's swearing in ceremony in Chandigarh. He has deputed his son, Chandra Mohan, an MLA, to attend the function.